Clary Sage – Irish Seed

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a biennial flowering plant which is often grown for its essential oil. It is worth growing just to experience the smell of the plants in full bloom. It has been used for perfumes, potpourri, incense, cut flowers, flavouring wines as well as medicinally.

An unfussy plant which will grow in low fertility but will reward you with larger and more prolific plants in decent soil. The plants are very robust and stately, branching out and up strongly without any need of support. Each stem will carry a succession of blossoms which have pale blue and pink parts.

Growing Clary Sage – Sow seeds in early summer and plant out whenever the plant roots have filled their containers. They will put out vegetative growth and establish a root system before dying back for the winter. In the second year, they will come forth with vigour and grow to a height of 100cm. No maintenance required.